Politicians, pastors protest downtown Chicago as House gears up to vote on Trump's 'big beautiful bill,' citing Medicaid cut fears
Share this @internewscast.com

CHICAGO (WLS) — Protesters in Chicago gathered on Wednesday to express their disapproval of President Donald Trump’s extensive tax and spending plan, urging Congress to reject the proposal.

Trump’s bill is now in the hands of the House of Representatives with a good deal of uncertainty about its future.

ABC7 Chicago is now streaming 24/7. Click here to watch

There is a lot of political pressure being exerted on both sides of the debate on the bill.

President Trump and his supporters are striving to unify Republicans in favor of the bill, as Democrats and their allies put up a strong opposition to thwart its progress.

Religious leaders and politicians came together at Federal Plaza on Wednesday morning, united in delivering a firm message to Congress concerning the president’s touted major legislative initiative.

“This bill is not beautiful and is not particularly complicated. It is reverse Robin Hood. It is taking from the poor and giving to the rich,” the Rev. Marshall Hatch said.

Demonstrators renamed the mega-bill the “bad ugly bill.”

“Let me be clear: We do not care what party you belong to. If you support this bill, you will see us in your offices, at your town halls and your streets,” said Artinese Myrick, with Live Free.

There are concerns about how the bill would cut nutritional food assistance for the needy.

“We run a food pantry on 79th Street right now. By the end of each week, we run out of food. When the SNAP cuts and the Medicaid cuts go through, we will turn away probably approximately three to 400 people a week that we can no longer feed,” said Fr. Mike Pfleger, with St. Sabina Church.

There are also concerns about cuts to Medicaid and the fallout for safety net hospitals. The Congressional Budget Office estimates the bill will cost 11.8 million Americans their health care coverage over the next decade.

“If you’re a young mother raising young children and you’re on Medicaid, your Medicaid benefits are not going to change or be altered. If you’re a senior citizen and this is the only thing you rely on, is Medicaid, that’s not going to be altered or changed,” said Republican Rep. Darin LaHood, who represents central and northwestern Illinois.

LaHood says Medicaid will be cut for non-citizens and for able-bodied adults who can work.

Republicans also tout the fact the bill will eliminate taxes on tips and overtime.

“This may not be perfect for everybody. But, overall, it’s going to do a lot to get the economy back on track, to put more money in the pockets of working people,” LaHood said.

Democrats on Capitol Hill are vowing to fight.

“We are fighting for everyone in this bill, in this place. But let’s go, and let’s go vote hell no on the betrayal bill of Donald Trump,” said Democratic Rep. Delia Ramirez, who represents Chicago and the west suburbs.

What’s not clear is when there will be a vote on the bill.

Speaker Mike Johnson does not want to make any changes because then it would have to go back to the Senate for another vote.

So, for now, the standoff on Capitol Hill continues.

Copyright © 2025 WLS-TV. All Rights Reserved.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Ex-Postal fraud investigator allegedly stole more than $330K from elderly scam victims he was meant to protect

Tragic Incident: USPS Employee Discovered Deceased in Michigan Sorting Machine

A tragic incident unfolded at a U.S. Postal Service distribution center in…
Federal inmates gather in prison yard

Sheriff Raises Concerns Over California’s ‘Mental Health’ Legislation, Citing Risks of Releasing Dangerous Individuals

In California, a law designed to divert individuals with mental health issues…
Uber Chicago news: New women-only Uber driver option becomes available in Chicago Wednesday

Chicago Welcomes Uber’s Women-Only Driver Feature Starting This Wednesday

Uber is introducing a new safety feature specifically designed for women, with…
Giants naming Jameis Winston starting QB vs. Packers with Jaxson Dart out: source

Giants Announce Jameis Winston as Starting QB Against Packers Amid Jaxson Dart Injury

It’s official: Jameis Winston is stepping into the spotlight. The Giants are…
Flashback: Ben Shapiro Supported Harsh Jan. 6 Prison Sentences

Ben Shapiro’s Surprising Stance on January 6 Sentences Revealed

Looking back to 2021, conservatives need to remember where Ben Shapiro stood…
TSA worker sues to allow transgender officers to perform pat-downs

Transgender Rights at TSA: Groundbreaking Lawsuit Challenges Pat-Down Policy

A transgender TSA officer stationed in Virginia has initiated legal action against…
Could you see an aurora tonight? NOAA issues Geomagnetic Storm Watch

Catch a Glimpse of Tonight’s Northern Lights: NOAA Alerts on Geomagnetic Storm

In the coming days, certain regions of the United States and Canada…
Chicago flights canceled today LIVE: More than 146 flights canceled at O'Hare, Midway airports; FAA's drop in 6% flights kicks in

Chicago Flight Chaos: Over 146 Cancellations Hit O’Hare and Midway Amid FAA’s 6% Reduction Implementation

CHICAGO — Traveling by air could become even more of a hassle…
Knicks rout Grizzlies for 5th straight win, improve to 7-0 at home

Unstoppable Knicks Dominate Grizzlies: Extend Home Winning Streak to 7-0!

At 1 Penn Plaza, the momentum is palpable. The New York Knicks…
WATCH: Teen arrested after alleged wild shovel attack on police cruiser in ritzy Florida neighborhood

Teen Arrested for Shovel Attack on Police Car in Upscale Florida Community

A teenager in Florida has been taken into custody, accused of attacking…
Suspect accused of killing college pre-med student has a criminal history: court records

Court Records Reveal Criminal Past of Suspect in College Student’s Tragic Death

A tragic incident in Lawrence, Kansas, has left the community in shock…
Former Capitol Police Officer Shauni Kerkhoff Linked to January 6 Pipe Bombs

Ex-Capitol Police Officer Shauni Kerkhoff Implicated in January 6 Pipe Bomb Investigation

A forensic investigation commissioned by Blaze News has identified former U.S. Capitol…